Peters, of course, missed all of the 2012 campaign after suffering a double ruptured Achilles tendon, and his absence was felt across an offensive line that left only guard Evan Mathis as the last healthy man standing by year’s end. A very strong case can be made for Peters being this team’s most irreplaceable player this season. The 10-year veteran has made five Pro Bowls and is a four-time All Pro at left tackle, while being widely regarded as the premier left tackle in the NFL.

Upon his return to the lineup, Peters now anchors an offensive line that from, tackle to tackle, could easily stack up as one of the best in the league. First-round draft choice Lane Johnson at right tackle, Todd Herremans at right guard, Jason Kelce at center, Mathis at left guard and Peters at left tackle has been the top unit at training camp this summer.

The 6-foot-4, 328 pound behemoth thinks this could be running back LeSean McCoy‘s best season yet.

“He’s definitely gonna be over 1,000 yards earlier than he has been because the defensive line, the linebackers are going to be winded,” Peters said after Thursday’s practice at the Novacare Complex. “We steady gonna be pushing on the D-Line, so I think he’s gonna break out early this year.”

McCoy figures to be a focal point in Chip Kelly’s high-octane offense, which has Peters excited to be a part of this season.

“As the year goes on,” Peters explained. “People are gonna try to game-plan for it and get adjusted to it. But they’re gonna be shocked the first couple weeks, coming at ‘em quick, fast. We’re gonna see.”

There’s no question that Peters is a cornerstone player for this franchise. His return is the next step in his year-long recovery. Peters’ healthy may well be the most crucial ingredient to the Eagles’ success this season.

Matt Lombardo is also a sports radio host on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia. Join the conversation and follow him on Twitter.